Naval Group Celebrates a Key Breakthrough in the Hellenic Navy’s FDI HN Initiative
On March 24, 2022, Greece made the decision to enhance its naval fleet with three defense and intervention frigates, including one optional unit, along with their operational support. The FDI HN, engineered and manufactured by Naval Group in Lorient, will swiftly and sustainably augment the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy’s surface fleet as deliveries are scheduled to start in a very short timeframe, beginning in 2025 for the initial two vessels and in 2026 for the third.
Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis stated: “I am immensely proud that, in my role as Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, I am witnessing the placement in the dry dock of the first block of the inaugural FDI HN frigate. Our goal is for the FDI HN to emerge as the flagship of the Hellenic Fleet, granting us new operational capabilities shortly. Thus, the FDI HN initiative exemplifies our nation’s resolve to stand united in solidarity against potential threats and establishes the groundwork for the European defense of the future.”
Olivier de la Bourdonnaye, Executive Vice President for Programs at Naval Group, mentioned: “We take great pride in being here today to celebrate this significant milestone in the industrial creation of the first defense and intervention frigate for the Hellenic Navy. These versatile, cyber-secure, and scalable vessels will ensure the dominance of information, engagement, and sovereignty of the Hellenic naval forces.”
A substantial program for the Hellenic industry
Through a solid cooperation plan with the Hellenic industry (HIP, Hellenic Industry Participation Plan), the FDI HN program presents numerous industrial prospects for Greece, generating jobs and added value within the nation. Naval Group’s teams have already forged various collaborations with Greek industrial entities and formalized numerous contracts with the Hellenic industry.
Naval Group’s Hellenic Industrial Participation strategy will therefore contribute not only to the development of the FDI HN but also to the formation of a resilient naval industrial ecosystem. The structured and enduring partnerships proposed by Naval Group will support production in Greece while equipping the country to meet future demands.
In this context, on October 18, 2022, several contracts and framework agreements were established between Naval Group and Greek firms during the Euronaval event, addressing Platform and Combat Systems initiatives.
FDI HN, a formidable, innovative, and cyber-secure multi-role combat frigate
The FDI HN boasts elevated capabilities across all warfare domains: anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special forces deployment. Its air and surface defense are guaranteed by cutting-edge sensors, including the Thales Sea Fire—the first all-digital multifunction radar featuring an active antenna and fixed panels.
This frigate is equipped with a distinctive integrated mast that consolidates all airborne sensors, facilitating continuous 360° surveillance. As the first frigate in the market designed to be inherently secure against cyber threats, the FDI HN contains two data centers supporting nearly all of the vessel’s applications.
Technical specifications of the FDI HN:
- Displacement: 4,500 tons
- Length: approximately 122 meters
- Width: 18 meters
- Maximum speed: 27 knots
- Aviation accommodations: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) The key armaments of the FDI HN include:
- 32 Aster missiles developed by MBDA
- 8 Exocet MM40 B3C missiles developed by MBDA
- RAM missiles
- MU 90 torpedoes manufactured by Naval Group
- 76 mm cannon
- 4 torpedo launchers
- CANTO counter measures crafted by Naval Group
